Rhodochrosite Beads

Rhodochrosite beads are made from a mineral scientifically called maganese carbonate. It's name means rose colored in Greek (rhodon means "rose" and chroma means "color") and is based on the stone's pink and white bands.

The best sources are United States, Argentina, Peru, Canada, and South Africa. Rhodochrosite officially became Colorado's state mineral as a result of a suggestion by an Park County Colorado Earth Science high school class in 2002, because most of the beautiful minerals in Colorado come from Park County, and Colorado had no designated state mineral. Their reasons are quoted below:

"First of all, it has a magnificent red color, which represents the Spanish meaning for "Colorado". Second, the finest crystals that have ever been found come from Colorado, especially Park County (Sweet Home Mine near Alma). Third, it has received a lot of publicity during the past years, and is prominently displayed at the Denver Museum of Natural History. Finally, what better mineral could represent the state of Colorado, but one that is so truly unique in its beauty and color as rhodochrosite."

With such a fine recommendation, rhodochrosite gemstone beads certainly deserve a place in jewelry making and fine crafts. It is often carved into cabochons and beads for jewelry, but is also used as a sculptural material.

common treatments: none

special care: avoid impact, abrasion, harsh chemicals (especially acids)

hardness: 3.5 - 4